On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed every December 3, the Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has called on the Federal Government to reduce the high cost of assistive technology for blind and visually impaired Nigerians.
The center also expressed concerns over the rising cost of Assistive Technology (AT) and the persistent failure to enforce inclusive employment policies meant to protect persons with disabilities.
Jolomi George Fenemigho, Executive Chairman of CITAB, speaking from lived experience, said the burden of affording essential assistive devices remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing blind Nigerians from accessing education and securing meaningful employment.
He noted that tools such as Braille devices and screen readers, which should be basic learning and working aids, have become luxuries far beyond the reach of many.
“As someone who lives these realities every day, I know just how devastating it can be when something as simple as an affordable Braille device or a screen reader is placed out of reach by steep costs,” he said.
“When I see a young, ambitious blind person locked out of opportunity simply because our systems make basic tools unaffordable, it’s not only heartbreaking, it feels unjust. We cannot call ourselves an inclusive society while these barriers persist.”
He also expressed frustration over the widening gap between disability inclusion policies and actual workplace practices.
According to him, many visually impaired people who acquire digital and professional skills remain unemployed because employers either doubt their capabilities or fail to create accessible work environments.
He stressed that the statutory five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities in public institutions remains largely unimplemented, despite being clearly spelled out in law.
“It’s not enough to give us skills if nobody will give us a chance to use them,” he added. “Every time I am reminded that the law requires at least a five percent employment quota for people with disabilities in public service, I ask when this will be more than just a number on paper. We want to contribute, to work, to shape our country’s future, and we should not be denied that chance.”
CITAB urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment to disability inclusion by removing tariffs and VAT on accredited assistive technology to make devices more affordable, enforcing the employment quota across all ministries and agencies, and compelling government institutions, private organisations and educational bodies to comply with digital accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. The organisation said these steps are essential to ensure that visually impaired individuals can learn, work, and thrive without preventable barriers.
Fenemigho also appealed to policymakers, saying the fight for inclusion is not merely administrative but deeply personal for millions of Nigerians whose dreams depend on equal opportunity. “We are not asking for favors; we are demanding our rights. The laws exist, the skills are there, and the technology is real. All we need now is real commitment from those in power to make inclusion more than just a slogan.”